Meredith Donaher
The R22 Phaseout & Your AC
The R22 Phaseout & Your AC

Dollars & Sense This Heating Season

Dollars & Sense This Heating Season

All fall we’ve been sharing two case studies from actual customers to highlight the efficiency in fuel use before and after installing a new high-efficiency heating system. Let’s take it a step further and look at the potential savings on their heating oil bills, if, for example, their price per gallon was locked in at $3.50 both years.

In each instance, the customers would see a nearly $1000 savings in their fuel costs.

Shouldn’t it be time to adjust your budget?

Investing in a new home heating system with high-efficiency ratings can significantly reduce your annual fuel budget. Call 203.227.5181 or visit gaultenergy.com/heat-savings for a free heating equipment quote.

Reflecting On A Life Well Lived

Left to Right: Megan Donaher, Brendan Donaher, Sam Gault, Bill Gault, Meredith Donaher, and Jim Donaher

As we head into the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, my last Sam’s Note this year is, unfortunately, one of a more somber tone. As many of you know, my father passed away unexpectedly at the end of July. He was in his 90th year and still living life to the fullest.

It’s been a big adjustment not only for my family but the entire Gault team as he was a huge presence for so many even in his ‘retirement’ years. As a man of consistency, he visited the office every day (at just about 10 A.M.) to make his rounds, do a little business, and chat with the team; we are all finding his absence difficult.

I am incredibly fortunate to have had the unique experience of working alongside my father for my entire career. He was a visionary during his tenure and strengthened the foundation of the Gault businesses through hard work, integrity, a commitment to quality and service, and a workplace built on trust, collaboration, and respect. All principles we still live by today.

Through this difficult time, we have found comfort in so many reaching out with wonderful memories and notes, and I sincerely thank you for that.

And to Dad - you are and will be truly missed by so many, every day. I am grateful for the time we had together and lucky to have had such an amazing father.

 

Sam Gault
President
Gault Family Companies

The Bioheat Difference

THE BIOHEAT DIFFERENCE

There’s something wondrous happening in our industry – thanks to an increased focus on the environment, changing perspectives have led to technological advances and industry innovations for the fuels used to heat our homes – oil, propane, and natural gas. Perhaps the biggest advancement can be found in home heating oil’s transition to Bioheat®. This renewable energy source combines low-sulfur home heating oil with biodiesel made from surplus or byproducts of feedstocks such as used cooking oil, inedible corn oil, and more.

 

But how exactly does using Bioheat® translate to the environment?


1. It Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Bioheat® blends with higher percentages of biodiesel (for example B20, which is 20% biodiesel and 80% heating oil) leaving a smaller carbon footprint since it is derived from renewable sources.

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Reduction: Did you know the biodiesel used in the Bioheat® blends is considered carbon-neutral? The CO2 emitted when burning the biodiesel is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the plants used to produce it. And, by reducing the use of fossil fuels, Bioheat® contributes to a longer-term reduction in atmospheric CO2 levels.


2. It Uses Renewable Resources:

Biodiesel uses fuels from agricultural byproducts and other renewable sources, such as soybean oil, inedible corn oil, animal fats, used cooking oil, and canola oil.


3. It Decreases Air Pollution:

Bioheat® produces fewer microscopic particles and lowers sulfur emissions when compared to conventional heating oil, leading to improved air quality and a reduction in respiratory issues related to air pollution.


4. It Improves Energy Efficiency:

Using Bioheat® for your home heating system along with investing in new high-efficiency equipment can help reduce the overall energy demand and associated emissions.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bioheat® please visit gaultenergy.com/bioheat

How About These Savings?

How about these savings?

Every year as we head into heating season, we field calls asking about the price of our fuel, be it Bioheat home heating oil or Propane. This year we’re encouraging you to look beyond just the price per gallon and consider the long-term savings available when upgrading your home heating system.

New high efficiency heating systems can improve the comfort of your home by providing a more consistent temperature as well as better air quality thanks to built-in air filtration. You’ll also find that new systems burn fuel more cleanly than decades old models making this upgrade also better for the environment. We recommend installing units with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) greater than 87%, meaning greater than 87% of the system’s fuel use goes towards heating your home as opposed to operating the heating equipment.

This all sounds great in theory right? Let’s share some numbers from our actual customers to back it up:

Aren’t those some great savings! If you’re interested in seeing these fuel savings at your own home, give us a call at 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists. They’ll guide you through the process of selecting the best upgrade for your home while providing a free quote for purchase and installation of a new home heating system.

Who Is Your Propane Provider?

Who is your propane provider?

If you can’t answer this question without digging through a pile of mail to find your last delivery invoice, you’re not alone. For the homeowner that only gets the occasional propane delivery for a cooktop, you may not see your propane company very often, which means they don’t see you or your home very often either.

Let’s make it easier for you! If you are already a Gault heating oil and/or service customer, you can bundle all of your home energy under one roof. We are already familiar with your home and visit it often; we can track both your oil and propane consumption and will send the same drivers and technicians who already know your home. So trust us to take care of all of your energy needs and to make your life a little simpler - call Gault today!

We Make Switching As Easy As 1, 2, 3

If you rent your tank:

1. We will handle informing your current company of your switch.*

2. We will take care of installing your new tank.

3. You can count on us to offer pricing and delivery options that perfectly align with your needs!

If you own your tank:

1. We will handle informing your current company of your switch.

2. You can count on us to offer pricing and delivery options that perfectly align with your needs!

*Your current provider will pick up your tank

You First. Our Customers Are Number One

You First. Our customers are number one.

If you’ve been a Gault customer for some time, you know that our customers are #1; we even changed our tagline to YOU FIRST a few years ago. Having customers at our core is what I contribute much of our success to and the ability to have lasted over 160 years.

Our business strategy has been completely tied to listening to your feedback and evolving with your needs and wants. After Super Storm Sandy, we got into installing and servicing generators because you were all calling us for help. More recently, we launched an Electrical Services division because we were getting endless asks for recommendations. On the propane front, frankly, many of you never liked your providers (see how to switch here!).

Bundling all your home needs under one roof has become what everyone wants - one phone number to call, a live person on the other end who cares and peace of mind that it will get taken care of. So if you haven’t brought everything in your home under the Gault umbrella, I invite you to! And remember, we always put YOU FIRST!

Enjoy your fall!

Sam Gault
President
Gault Family Companies
asksam@gaultfamilyco.com

Don't Risk Your Oil Tank

DON’T RISK YOUR OIL TANK

It’s easy to forget about your oil tank – it’s out of sight so out of mind – and that’s why we perform an annual oil tank inspection at every tune up. Over time, oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues that can pose a risk to your property and the environment.

EARLY DETECTION OF ISSUES

Regular oil tank inspections can help identify potential issues early on before they become major problems, preventing leaks or other costly damage.

PROTECTION OF PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT

Leaks or spills can contaminate the soil and groundwater, which can be difficult and expensive to remediate.

PEACE OF MIND

You’ll be reassured knowing that your oil tank is in good condition and ready for another winter!

Schedule your annual heat tune up PLUS oil tank inspection by calling our office at 203.227.5181. Even if your tank is not leaking, it may show signs of deterioration or has exceeded its normal life expectancy - 20 years for basement tanks and 10 years for outdoor tanks. Our team is available to discuss and perform any next steps, including tank removal and replacement.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Bill’s 90th Birthday!

My sister Ginger, Dad, Me and my wife Nancy at our big 160th Celebration.

If you followed along with us last year, you’ll remember our yearlong celebration of our 160th anniversary. This year, we have another major milestone to celebrate as my Dad turns 90 in August!

It’s moments like these that cause me to pause from the busy day-to-day and reflect on our times together. My Dad was the fourth generation to lead the company, taking it over from his father in the late 70’s. Although he “retired” a while back, he still comes by the office every single day and is a major figure of our family business. Believe it or not, we still have many team members that worked with him back in the day and each have the same sentiment of him as a leader; he was down to earth, hardworking and a straight shooter.

As for me, working with my Dad is one of the fondest times of my career. He gave me the freedom to make decisions, try new ideas and most importantly make mistakes which lead to some of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in business. Of course, I look up to him on many levels personally as well and can only hope I am as active and put together as he is at 90!

For those that have crossed paths with my Dad or know him well, if you wish to send him a birthday note, please reach out at asksam@gaultfamilyco.com or PO Box 2030, Westport, CT 06880 and I’ll be sure to pass your message along.

Be well and stay cool this summer,

Sam

Electrical Safety Check Up

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECK UP

If you don’t frequent construction sites, it’s pretty easy to forget all the hundreds of feet of wire running through your walls, ceiling and floor to bring electricity into your home. In general, the wiring hasn’t been touched, let alone changed, since your home was built unless there was a big enough need to do it. That means electricity might be distributed throughout your home on 50+ year old wiring!

This scenario is just one of many that lead us to create our Electrical Safety Check Up. Our in-house licensed electricians follow a 10-point checklist to ensure your home is up to date with the National Electrical Code and safe to use.

INCLUDED IN THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECK UP:

  • Inspection of panels, ground/bonding, main service entrance cable, and more

  • Check proper voltage/amperage of all circuit breakers

  • Recommendations for energy/cost saving products and code compliance/safety updates

RECOMMENDED FOR:

  • All homes over 20 years old

  • Purchasing a new home regardless of its age

  • Installing a new major appliance

  • Projects requiring building permits


Don't Let Storm Season Get You Down!

Don’t Let Storm Season Get You Down!

As you can imagine, we follow the weather like it’s going out of style and for good reason. Not only does the weather impact the frequency of your bioheat and propane deliveries but it can have a big impact on our service, generator, and electrical teams if there’s a big storm.

This year’s hurricane season predictions came to no big surprise. We have been hearing about La Niña and warmer ocean temperatures for a while now. For 2024, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has predicted 17-25 named storms and 4-7 major hurricanes during hurricane season which runs from June 1-November 30; compare that to our last major hurricane season in 2020 which only had 13-19 named storms with 3-6 major hurricanes predicted.

NOW’S THE TIME TO PREPARE

  • Keep flashlights and batteries, water and nonperishable food, and a first aid kit with spare medication on hand

  • Install a generator to power up parts or all of your home during an outage

Given the number of storms and outages we have year-round in southwestern Connecticut, we recommend investing in a whole-home generator that’s designed to automatically turn on when needed. Our turnkey solution starts by meeting with our Generator Specialist to determine which generator best meets your needs. From there, our team will guide you through the process from start to finish with our technicians, installers, and electricians on-site.

Visit gaultenergy.com/generators to learn more about our generator solutions or call 203.227.5181 to schedule a meeting with our Generator Specialist.

Breathing Easy With New IAQ Equipment

BREATHING EASY WITH NEW IAQ EQUIPMENT

We’re pleased to announce that the Carrs from Westport were the lucky recipients of our Ultimate Indoor Air Quality Giveaway from earlier this year. Not only did we install a Reme Halo Air Purification system, but Tiger Home & Building Inspections performed a Home Air Quality Screening and Steamatic completed a duct cleaning.

REDUCE ALLERGY ATTACKS WITH CLEAN AIR!

Adding Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) products can have a big impact on the health of your home. Improving your IAQ is known to reduce allergy and respiratory related flare-ups, encourage better sleep, and help combat the spread of viruses. Thanks to filtration, air purifiers, and ionization, microscopic air particles are ‘cleaned’ of dust, mold, germs, bacteria, pollen, and other airborne substances.

Tracking Electric Bills During AC Season

TRACKING ELECTRIC BILLS DURING AC SEASON

Are you keeping a close eye on your electric bills? Year over year, we’ve watched them go up each month, evaluated suppliers, and tried to keep our electric use down. If you’re already thinking about the sky-high bills you’ll receive this summer, then it might be time to upgrade the biggest electricity user in your home: your central AC system.

Yes, upgrading your central AC system is an investment, but how do you see the return on that investment? By significantly lower electric bills year over year thanks to a significant jump in your unit’s efficiency thanks to its SEER rating.

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Department of Energy with a SEER rating assigned to every piece of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, the less electricity needed to cool your home.

CONSIDER THESE STATS:

If your AC was installed prior to 2006, the average SEER was 10. Now due to age, that same piece of equipment has a SEER of 7 or 8.

The minimum SEER allowed to be installed today is a 13.2. According to our Comfort Specialists, customers are upgrading to a minimum of 16 SEER the last two years.

For every increase in SEER, you should see a 4-6% decrease in your electricity costs.

And don’t forget, if your air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, not only has the efficiency gone down but it most likely uses R22 and should be replaced in the near future. Due to its negative environmental impact, the EPA has been phasing out residential use of R22 for over a decade and it is now effectively banned - both from being produced and imported.

Call us today at 203.227.5181 to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you save year after year.

Your Next Luxury: At Home EV Charging Station

YOUR NEXT LUXURY:
AT HOME EV CHARGING STATION

If you’ve made the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), where you’ll get your next charge must frequently cross your mind. Charging stations are popping up in retail parking lots, at offices, schools and of course, the gas station. But if you’d rather skip the hassle of finding your local charging station, it’s time to consider installing your very own EV charger at home.

It’s Convenient:

With your own charger, you can plug in whenever you want so your EV is ready to go when you are.

It’s Private & Secure:

Maybe it’s just us, but it can be a little unnerving leaving your car at a public charging station while you pop into the grocery store.

It’s Cost Effective:

Home charging is typically more affordable than public charging, and many utility companies offer special rates for EV owners, making it even more cost-effective.

It’s In Demand:

As the demand for EVs rise, homes equipped with a charging station become more attractive to potential buyers and can enhance your property value.

It’s “Smarter”:

Home chargers come equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your session, set charging schedules, and even control the charger remotely.

Installing a charging station at your home might be the lifestyle upgrade you’ve been waiting for. If you’re ready to explore your installation options, our Electrical Services division is here to help! Call 203.227.5181 to set up a consultation and discover just how seamlessly an EV charger can be added to your home.

Spring Reminders & New Product Launch!

New Product Launch At Our Stone Division!

If you caught our newsletter last month, I teased some exciting news from Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies. This year, we’re launching a new product series called The Gault Collection.

During COVID and its aftermath, we saw a high demand for outdoor porcelain; our customers liked that it’s weather resistant, low maintenance, and can be extremely versatile. We decided to invest in creating our own collection of outdoor porcelains that can be paired with our most popular natural stones.

While developing the collection, our team envisioned combining the versatility of porcelain for your patios, pool surrounds and outdoor spaces with natural stone pool copings, stair treads and accents. For example, with The Gault Collection, you can enjoy the perks of a durable heat resistant porcelain pool patio with the matching natural stone pool coping and steps for a coordinated and seamless look.

Stop by our Westport and Bethel showrooms to take a look at The Gault Collection and you can read more about it at gaultstone.com/porcelain-pavers Let me know what you think - you can email me directly at asksam@gaultfamilyco.com!

Thanks
Sam

Spring Reminders!

POOL SEASON IS FINALLY HERE!

If you heat your pool with propane, make sure you visit GaultEnergy.com/pool-open to let us know when that heater turns on! This information helps us track your deliveries to make sure your pool stays at that perfect temperature all summer long!

SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME WITH GAULT STONE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES!

Whether your gravel driveway needs a refresh, your planting beds could use our organic mulch, you’ve been eyeing a Gault Stacked Firepit, or you want to test out our new Gault Collection of outdoor porcelains, we can help you enjoy your outdoor living spaces all summer long. Visit GaultStone.com to get started.

Limited Time Offer from Generac!

With the start of hurricane season just around the corner, Generac is offering a FREE 7 YEAR WARRANTY for all new generators purchased before May 12, 2024. Click here to set up an appointment with our generator expert to get started with our turnkey generator installation or call our office at 203.227.5181.

HIGHER EFFICIENCY LEADS TO LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS

High Efficiency Leads To Lower Electric Bills

More so than in the past, we’re tracking our electric bills – watching them go up each month, evaluating suppliers, and trying to keep our electric use down. If you’re already thinking about the sky-high bills you’ll receive this summer, then it might be time to upgrade the biggest electricity user in your home: your central AC system.

Yes, upgrading your central AC system is an investment, but how do you see the return on that investment? With significantly lower electric bills year over year thanks to a significant jump in your unit’s efficiency thanks to its SEER rating.

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Department of Energy with a SEER rating assigned to every piece of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, the less electricity needed to cool your home.

Consider these stats:

 

If your AC was installed prior to 2006, the average SEER was 10. Now due to age, that same piece of equipment has a SEER of 7 or 8.

 

The minimum SEER allowed to be installed today is a 13.2. According to our Comfort Specialists, customers are upgrading to a minimum of 16 SEER the last two years.

 

For every increase in SEER, you should see a 4-6% decrease in your electricity costs.

Call us today at 203.227.5181 to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you save year after year.

Lower Electric Bills With New Central AC

Lower Electric Bills With New HIGH EFFICIENCY Central AC

As our cooling equipment ages, so does its efficiency (SEER) rating. The newest central air conditioning systems feature the highest SEER ratings on the market and can offer the greatest annual savings on your electric bills. If you want to explore the potential savings you’ll see with a new high-efficiency central AC system, then it’s time to meet with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Schedule an appointment at 203-227-5181 to learn more about our limited time savings!

 
 
 
 

The Push & Pull Of Heat Pumps

The Push & Pull Of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have been getting a lot of buzz recently due to government rebates and the push to electrify. The name alone is a little deceiving leaving many homeowners confused. So what is a heat pump exactly and how can it be used to heat AND cool your home? Let’s break it down…

How does a heat pump work? In the summertime, a heat pump and an air conditioner are essentially the same thing: they both take heat from inside the house, transfer it through a refrigerant and deposit it outside, leaving the inside cool. In the cooler months, a heat pump can be reversed to push heat into the home.

What are some installation considerations?

  • Efficiency is key when it comes to heat pumps to see savings on your electric bill and qualify for rebates.

  • Versatility is a plus as heat pumps can be installed with both traditional ducting or without ducts.

  • Pricing on heat pumps can run higher than more traditional heating/cooling systems, especially the higher efficiency units. And, if your home doesn’t have the electrical amperage required for a heat pump system, electrical upgrades can be an added cost.

  • Back up heat for winter is necessary with a heat pump system but they work well for supplemental heat in the shoulder months.

If your air conditioning is due for an upgrade this year, then a heat pump can be an option to consider. Our Comfort Specialists are here to walk you through the options to best meet your needs and budget.

Get Comfortable With Your Thermostat

Get Comfortable With Your Thermostat

Your thermostat might be small but it’s a crucial part of your home’s comfort. We often recommend you reach out when you need a new thermostat as different models aren’t always interchangeable, and we can get you a higher quality version at one of our supply houses.

Programmable Models: You’ll be able to predefine your home’s temperature for specific days and times throughout the week. This function makes it equally as effective as a smart thermostat in enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. For example, if your family is away at work and school from Monday to Friday, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically adjust the temperature, preventing your heating and cooling system from running unnecessarily when nobody is home.

Smart Models: In comparison, a smart thermostat offers a level of intuitiveness in regulating your home’s heating and cooling. These thermostats will learn from your temperature adjustments and are accessible through a dedicated app. They can also assist in accurately tracking and managing your home’s energy consumption data so you can monitor and assess your HVAC system’s efficiency.

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s thermostat, schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We’ll review your current models, make suggestions based on your needs and get you on our installation calendar.

Planning For The Season Ahead

Planning For The Season Ahead

Sure it might be a little cold still, but we’re already thinking about and planning for Spring and Summer. I surveyed a few members of our team about what they’re looking forward to most and here’s what they had to say:

I’m looking forward to finishing my rock garden project I started at the end of last summer ~ Angela, Customer Care

I’m looking forward to getting outdoors for walks and hikes, playing golf with friends, and the BBQ’s ~ Joe, Customer Care

I can’t wait to head to the beach and plan vacations ~ Dina, Office Coordinator

As for me, I’m looking forward to heading into our season on the Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies branch of our business. We just updated our Westport showroom and have some new products coming to market this Spring (more news to come!). And of course, I’m looking forward to some pool time, trips and warmer weather.

Cheers to Spring!

Sam Gault
President
Gault Family Companies

IAQ by the Numbers

IAQ By The Numbers

Cold winter days mean more time spent inside trying to stay warm. But winter also means we’re at greater risk of exposure to the various pollutants that reside inside our homes. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can have a big impact on our health – from allergies and asthma, to respiratory issues, heart disease, and even cancer.

  • Radon

  • Mold

  • Dust mites

  • Carbon Monoxide

  • Nitrogen Dioxide

  • Household scents/chemicals from paints, solvents, aerosol sprays, cleaning products, etc

  • Pesticides

  • Poor ventilation

  • Temperature control problems

  • Humidity issues

  • Construction

  • Attack the source of the pollutants

  • Improve home ventilation for fresh air from outdoors

  • Clean the air with help from your HVAC system


We know Indoor Air Quality can be easy to overlook but it’s vital for your family’s and home’s health. To make it a bit easier to resolve your IAQ concerns, our Comfort Specialists and Technicians are here to help evaluate your home’s system and recommend products to improve your home’s air quality.

Call 203.227.5181 to schedule your consultation today!

Main: 203.227.5181 | Greenwich: 203.629.3835